South Sudan President Salva Kiir Reflects On Liberation Struggle, Calls For National Renewal

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, on Thursday, commemorated the 42nd anniversary of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), paying homage to the sacrifices of fallen heroes while urging for national unity and continued peacebuilding in the fledgling nation.

Founded on May 16, 1983, the SPLA now South Sudan’s national army emerged as the armed wing of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in response to Khartoum’s marginalization, setting in motion a rebellion that ultimately led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

SPLA Day is a significant public holiday celebrated annually on May 16, marking the formation of the former rebel group in 1983.

The SPLA’s origins trace back to the actions of mutineers from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) who opened fire in barracks near Bor. Colonel John Garang de Mabior, initially sent to suppress the uprising, instead took up the mantle of leadership for the new movement.

In a televised address ahead of the anniversary, President Kiir reflected on the enduring legacy of this struggle, paying tribute to pivotal SPLM figures such as Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Commander Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, and William Nyuon Bany.

“This day serves not only as a reminder of our past but as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and vision of our nation’s heroes who laid down their lives so that we could enjoy an independent and sovereign South Sudan,” Kiir stated.

A veteran of the liberation struggle himself, Kiir emphasized that the SPLM/SPLA represented more than just a military endeavor; it was a fight for “justice, equality, and self-determination.”

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by the nation, Kiir urged his fellow citizens to abide by the core values instilled by the movement’s founders.

“The struggle that commenced in 1955, followed by a resurgence in 1983, was for freedom—and also for unity, peace, and prosperity,” he expressed. “Today, we are called to safeguard that legacy by collaborating to maintain peace, heal divisions, and foster development.”

South Sudan, which fell into civil war just two years post-independence, has been working to implement a fragile peace agreement reached in 2018. Kiir noted the progress made under this accord while highlighting the need for renewed commitment to stability.

“As we mark this 42nd anniversary, I urge all citizens to embrace the values of the SPLM/SPLA and commit themselves to building a peaceful, stable, and united South Sudan,” he said.

Framing the anniversary as a moment of “national renewal,” the president encouraged South Sudanese to draw strength from their collective history.

“May the spirit of May 16 endure in our hearts and guide our actions,” he concluded.

This year’s commemoration arrives amid rising concerns of renewed conflict in the world’s youngest nation, which is already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations has raised alarms over a political deadlock between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar the two leading signatories to the revived 2018 peace agreement—warning it has escalated into direct military confrontation.

Kiir recently placed Machar, his long-standing rival, under house arrest in Juba on March 26, underscoring the fragile state of affairs in the nation.